"Then Mr. Belton did do me the honour of talking about me when he was here?" As she said this she rose from her chair, and stood before Clara with flashing eyes.
"Not a word. He never mentioned your name, or the name of any one belonging to you. I have heard it from another."
"From what other?"
"I do not know that that signifies,—but I have learned it."
"Well;—and what next?"
"I do not know what next. As so much has been told me, and as you had said that I might ask you, I have come to you, yourself. I shall believe your own story more thoroughly from yourself than from any other teller."
"And suppose I refuse to answer you?"
"Then I can say nothing further."
"And what will you do?"
"Ah;—that I do not know. But you are harsh to me, while I am longing to be kind to you. Can you not see that this has been all forced upon me,—partly by yourself?"